Singapore shopping - Second pair of shoes for 2011

It is my first pair of Chloé shoes. And yes, it is another pair of flats. Out of all shoe types, flats is the one I wear almost daily. Be it weekday or weekend, it is my first choice of shoes. Unless I have a specific outfit in mind, which I usually need to go with a certain shoe type. I know it sounds boring but after spraining my ankles twice (once each side), I might have developed a phobia of wearing high heels. So until I feel my ankles are 100% back to normal, I guess I will continue to wear and buy flats.

Anyway, this pair of shoes wasn't my first choice. I wanted to get YSL 'love' flats, which was in an amazing color. And it was on sale as well. However, the sizing was a little off, plus the fact that the shoes didn't look that well-made (at least compared with my own YSL purple flats which I bought about 2 years ago). So I decided not buying it. Then... I wandered off to Chloé and tried on their shoes. Wow, "soft" was my first thought when putting on theirs. Sad to say this but YSL needs to increase their QC standard before it drops further. Back to Chloé shoes, they fitted me perfectly. I had half a mind to buy on the spot, even though there wasn't any sale at that moment. But... there is always a "but". My size was sold out for the design that I like. Damn...

Luckily, I have another way to get I want, without flying to Paris. Namely online shops. Coincidentally, one of the websites is giving out a 30% off for SS11 collection. So why should I wait for the sale? And a few days later, I received my lovely shoes.

At the moment, the shoes are at the shoe repair services shop to have their sole prepped. I've learnt my lesson with my old Lanvin flats. Now I just need to see how it's done and if it is what I think it is, I will have my black Lanvin flats prepped as well. Yep, expensive shoes definitely needs more care than your average run-off-the-mill shoes. But the reward is when you wear them and they change your outfits as well as posture entirely.

Updates on 21 Jun 2011:

I really regretted having it re-soled and re-heeled. A disaster. Shoe repair services in Singapore suck big time. This is my second time having problems with my shoes after sending them to the shops. Let's see how long I will put up with this pair before chucking it into the bin. For 424 (400 + 24) bucks, I guess I have to wear it at least 100 times. For every other day, this means around 6 months. It means until next year. Well, I can do this. But first, I need a spare nail file.

Singapore shopping - First pair of shoes for 2011

It's Salvatore Ferragamo Spiffy flats in silver. This design is so great that this pair is, in fact, my second purchase. My previous pair was bought last year for the rain season. After 6 months which I had worn it almost every other day, it had given out and broken. Even if the price is a little high for jelly flats, my cost per wear is very low.

And believe me, investing on day shoes is a must. Your health is affected partially by your posture, either walking or standing. And shoes contribute a big part in it. Again, my reason is: it is better to buy one pair of good shoes, than buy ten pairs of cheap but badly made shoes.

Shopping wish list for 2011

About 3 months have gone by and I seem to be right on track of some of my resolutions, which I hadn't written down at all. Sometimes I wonder if it is that necessary, but if I have the mood, I guess I will make that list (maybe in June... lol).

Anyway, this wish list might have its pros and cons. Pros is that I have some focuses to spend my hard-earned money on, instead of buying mindlessly and the whole damage is still the same. Cons is, well, it makes me more determined to get those. But still, sooner or later, I will have to buy some of these, can't really resist the temptation.

- Shoes: Maybe 2 pairs. I'm looking at these at the moment: YSL patent 'Love' ballerina flats, YSL Tribtoo pumps, Salvatore Ferragamo heels or flats, Christian Louboutin Pigalle pumps.

- Clothes: Dresses, skirts and jackets/cardigans are the focus. A pair of nicely cut pants should be great too. The brands should be DvF, Massimo Dutti and Zara. Again, I dun really wanna invest too much in clothes. Not a wise choice for me.

- Accessories: I'm changing my mind about belts. I guess I should have a few basic designs to go with my clothes. It really makes a difference. That is when I dun wear my empire-waist dresses. For scarves, Hermes is the only brand I will pay most attention to. Call me a snob but once you wear a Hermes scarf, you dun really want to buy another brand. Unless it's a gift, of course. Finally, sunglasses. A pair of Chanel sunglasses is all I want for this year. I have had Mont Blanc, Fendi, YSL and LV pairs. It's time to get Chanel for my collection. The big question is whether they have the design I like.

- Jewelry: Either fine or costume jewelry, I dun really care. If something catches my eyes and within my budget, I guess I will buy it. But I will try to avoid clip-on earrings. I have a pair of clip-on Chanel earrings and it's painful to wear it. Le sigh... Semi-precious stone jewelry is also my love of the moment.

- There will be NO budget for bag or wallet this year. I can say I'm quite content with what I'm having now. Next year will be another game though.

How many countries a Victoria's Secret parcel will pass by before it reaches me

That is a very long title, hahahah...

Anyway, you all know I love VS. There is no secret that I adore its products. Bras, panties, swimwears, shower gels, shampoo, etc. I've gotta say I have tried all types of products it offers (types, not all the products, mind you :P)

So once in a while, when my VS stock gets low (never too low, heheheh), I will order new batches. And the fun of ordering and waiting always makes me feel giddy. One tip for those who are new to this: If you want an express shipment (i.e. you will receive your order in about 3 days from the day your payment cleared) without paying the premium shipping charge, get something heavy in the mix of your purchase. The best example should be shower gels or shampoos. So far this trick never fails me.

I always wonder which route a package from US takes to reach to this small island. It should be different from those routes we have from Singapore to the States, right? Yes, I am correct. Here is the route that my latest purchase is taking (data taken from UPS website):

OBETZ , OH , US --> LOUISVILLE , KY , US --> KOELN (COLOGNE) DE --> DUBAI AE --> BANGKOK (DON MUANG) TH --> SINGAPORE (CHANGI) SG

Wow, 3 countries, exclusive of US and SG. And within 3 days. I'm impressed. So now the package is out for delivery aka I'm gonna receive it soon. Yay! Can't wait!

Look Fabulous For Less

From Nini's Style blog:

Look fabulous at all time without spending a fortune. Know when to splurge and when to save. Your head to toe outfits does not have to be all designers, but you just need to know how to pick and put it all together. Here are some of the tips that I’d like to share with you:

Coat, shoes, and handbag should be your big ticket items. You can never go wrong with a pair of Christian Louboutin Stiletto, a great Lanvin bag, or a Prada coat.

It Doesn’t matter whatever you have on your body, it could be K-mart, forever 21, or Ross. You can rock it if you have on a pair of good shoes. As seen on my photos, my skirt is vintage, turtle-neck from thift store, Judith Leiber belt, and shoes from Marni.

There’s no need to buy another version of what you’ve already owned instead change the accessories.

The black dress that been sitting in your closet, take it out today and wear it with a fun color scarf, and your new favorite shoes.

You should consider paying for less on items that you replace every season like t-shirt, legging, tank, and running around clothes. I personally like theory and vince basic tees, it’s really soft and last for a long time.

By mixing the highs and lows and adding a touch of vintage is the modern ways of dressing. Who wants the look of dressing head-to-toe in one designer brand?

I love to mix my Commes des Garcons ruffles hook and eye sweater with XXI skinny pant, and vintage clutch. Building your outfit around one good statement piece should consist items that you spend on the low ends. This will bring out the statement piece and will give an overall fabulous look. XXI now carry a lot of nature fiber clothing that you can choose from. I love that store….

Know what looks good on you. Be honest with yourself about your body. It will save you time and money.
Choose clothes that fit your life.